National parks spokesman William Mabasa said: ‘On behalf of the SANParks management and staff, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the deceased and to wish the other colleague who is currently in hospital a speedy recovery.’

Kruger Park has seen a few instances of elephants charging cars which get too close. In at least one case, an elephant stamped on a vehicle and caused injuries.